Shift in defense reverberates in plant's staff needs

8:51 PM,
Apr. 26, 2012

DRS Technologies on Babcock Street in Melbourne on Thursday.

Written by

Patrick Peterson
| FLORIDA TODAY

Tightening defense spending and a shifting focus of the U.S. military continue to play out across Brevard County's defense industry.

The latest company to take a hit is DRS Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition in Melbourne, which laid off 170 workers Thursday. Some 650 employees remain at the 100 N. Babcock St. facility.

"The reason for the reduction all has to do with the defense budget," said Richard Goldberg, DRS vice president of public affairs. ...